appetite stimulants

Hi, when Quinn had a problem with volume and ate, but not enough, they put her on periactin. It is actually an antihistimine which acts as an appetite stimulant. She seemed to do better at taking in calories on this medication. -Sarah

Hi, there still relatively new to the board...was wondering how old you Quinn was when they allowed her to start periactin? I've got a 27 month old who has FTT have been to 2 diff peds and neither will prescribe it for her...I do have an appt for a GI, but it still worries me that at 27 months she still is not even 20lbs.....and I've tried the pediasure, she won't touch the stuff anymore...I've started to use the Carnation Instant Breakfast again just as a change and for now it's a go.

For Arizona Mom and Lttleangel05:

I have had Alex on Pericatin for about 8 or 9 months and it has *changed our lives*. And that is not an over statement!

Alex was never a picky eater (except that he doesn't like anything cold ) - he loves a good variety of meats, fruits, and veggies. He just never ate more that a couple of bites of anything. After we started the Periactin, he now eats 2-3 real meals a day. He has gained about 6 pounds since he has been on it. ALex is now 2 1/2 years old and weighs 23.8 pounds. Still not on the charts, but if his weight gain continues at this pace, he'll be on the charts by the end of the summer (we're keeping our fingers crossed).

Ask the GI about it, it really helped us so much.

Good luck and keep us posted
Donna

Geez, seems like I don't have much to add after Sarah and Donna's expertise!

My son, Lorne, was also on Periactin. As Sarah said, it is actually an antihistamine but a kind-of "side-effect" is that it stimulates your appetite. I honestly don't remember exactly when he started it but it was before his first birthday. I am not sure how well it stimulates appetite, per se, as my son is strictly tube-fed. We used it for him as more of a "stomach motility" thing - to aide in digestion. He tolerated it very well but we have since stopped it.

One of my other boys, Isaac, has been diagnosed as "failure to thrive" because of HIS poor weight gain. He is 32 months and *still* stuck at 22-23 pounds. He is healthy, smart - just picky and doesn't eat much. He is also on Pediasure.

Guess I didn't really stick with the original post - hope this isn't just rambling!

Hang in there - take care!

Kara

Thank you to everyone who responded.

Donna- I will ask the GI when we go again about the periactin- our kids sound very similar- she will eat, just tiny amounts then loses interest. I almost hate to get my hopes up again, but I really hope this is a winner.

Let us know how the Gi visit goes
Good luck!
Donna